Residents Voice Concerns at Astoria Town Hall Meeting

On January 11, 2024, approximately 30 residents from Wards 3 and 4 gathered at Alderbrook Lodge in Astoria to engage directly with city councilors Elisabeth Adams and Joshua Conklin. The town hall meeting, which lasted nearly two hours, allowed community members to express their concerns on various issues, including public safety, city governance, and more.

Councilor Conklin, who recently took office to represent Ward 4, which includes Uppertown and eastern Astoria, shared the platform with Adams, who is nearing the end of her four-year term representing Ward 3, covering downtown Astoria. Although the meeting’s primary focus was the review of the city’s five-year work plan, discussions quickly transitioned to pressing neighborhood matters.

Concerns Over Permitting Delays

One of the most prominent complaints involved delays in the city’s permitting process. Local business owner Floyd Holcom, who operates Pier 39, expressed frustration over a pending liquor license application that has been awaiting approval for several weeks. “If the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission can give me a permit in 24 hours, why do I have to wait until February to get a permit from the city?” he asked.

Adams acknowledged the permitting challenges, describing them as a longstanding issue. She assured attendees that the city is actively reviewing local codes and ordinances that may be contributing to these delays, indicating a commitment to improving the process for local businesses.

Immigration Enforcement Concerns

Another significant topic raised during the meeting was the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Astoria. Residents expressed their concerns regarding heightened immigration enforcement activities across Oregon, which have led to increased visibility and community anxiety. Recent weeks have seen numerous detainments, prompting some local governments to declare states of emergency and establish rapid-response networks to support immigrant residents.

Astoria’s Chief of Police, Stacy Kelly, responded to these concerns by emphasizing the limitations the city faces. “There’s no way we can keep them out of the community,” Kelly stated. He noted that while the Oregon Association of Chiefs of Police has attempted to engage with ICE, federal agents have not been receptive to dialogue.

Looking ahead, Councilor Adams announced plans for another town hall later in the year, this time alongside Councilor Andy Davis. This forthcoming meeting aims to provide ongoing opportunities for residents to engage with their local government and discuss issues affecting the community.

The town hall served as a vital platform for residents to voice their concerns and seek accountability from their elected officials, reinforcing the importance of civic engagement in local governance.